Author's Note:
Well everyone this chapter was originally going to be combined with the last chapter but then I realized that it would get to be way too long. As for the poll it is really close as of writing this author note. The top three are within 1 vote of each other. So if you haven't voted then do so to support your favorite character. Sorry profusely for the late chapter. I was busy moving out of my dorm and studying for finals and a whole lot of other stuff. My trip to California was cut short as a relative of my Girlfriend became suddenly and fatally ill.
Comments:
Arrankor: I agree I want to see Ichigo fight. It's going to be epic.
Telron: I plan on having a lot of fun when he gets there *Evil glint in eye followed by ducking as Ichigo tries to kill John*
thisisCMpunk: Very well done. It is Bioshock. A good game for those of you who haven't played it but there are really creepy parts to it. I am sorry for the delay. It shouldn't get this bad in the future.
The quick disclaimer:
I own nothing except for original characters.
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'What is this place?' The man thought floating in a sea of nothingness. Looking around him all he could see was pure white.
"Hello?" The man called into the whiteness. His voice echoed all around him.
'At least my ears work.' He thought shaking his head. 'This has to be a dream. Last thing I remember was falling asleep at Izumo Inn and now I am here.'
"Are thou him?" A voice echoed through the empty space. The man looked in every direction he could. Nobody was around him. The voice spoke again. "Who arth thou?"
"I could ask the same of you." The man called out. "Show yourself so I can speak to you face to face."
A distortion in the air formed before the man before the man was finished. The distortion shimmered as if space and time itself were being altered. Slowly the figure of a woman formed. She wore a black dress with a pure white underdress. Brown boots raced up her calves till they nearly met her knees. Black stockings went even higher. Her blond hair flowed in an unnoticeable breeze. Her blue eyes were harsh and demanded respect.
"Who art thou?" She repeated crossing her arms.
The man shook his head. "It is only polite to give your own name before asking for someone else's."
The woman blushed slightly at being called down.
"Well thou wouldst force thy self upon me." The woman responded adamantly. "Tell me who thou are so that I may find thou."
"You still haven't given me your name." The man pointed out.
The woman glared daggers at the man. An arm shot out to one side. A ball of water formed in the air. Before the man could react it was shooting at him. Using all his speed he dodged the projectile and appeared behind the woman.
"You need to be faster if you want to catch me." The man said simply looking at the woman.
The woman turned another ball of water already formed swirling between her hands.
"WATER ARROWS!" The woman yelled. Hundreds of balls of water shot from the single ball in her hands.
The man tried to duck and weave his way through trying to get as close as he could but even so his shirt ripped in several places and he was forced back.
'Damn,' The man thought. 'She's good.'
The projectiles stopped flying toward him.
"Is that all thou hast?" The woman asked cocking an eyebrow at the man. "Then this will be easier than I thought."
The man sighed. "I'm afraid this will have to wait until we wake up." The man said amused.
"What dost thou mean?" The woman replied a frown creasing her eye line.
"We are sleeping," The man responded. Something seemed to jerk at his gut. "The last thing I remember was falling asleep."
"Thou lies," The woman spoke angrily, though a small hitch in her voice told the man she wasn't entirely sure. "Tis not possible."
"There are weirder things," The man said. The jerking came again. Harder and more insistent. "I think someone is trying to wake me up."
"I will find you," The woman vowed. "And destroy you."
"Before I go I have one question," The man asked resisting the tugging. "Why would you destroy someone who has done you no harm other than exist till this point?" The woman opened her mouth to respond, but the man held up a hand signaling her to be silent for a short time more. "Just food for thought. By the way my name is-"
He was jerked out of the dream before he could tell the woman his name.
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Ichigo awoke with a start. His head pounding at his skull. Ichigo winced as the pain became more pronounced. He became innately aware of arms lying on his chest, leg, and left arm which felt strangely numb. Ichigo closed his eyes and groaned.
'If Miya sees this she will kill me.' Ichigo thought dismayed.
Ichigo not wanting to alert Miya quietly started to disentangle the arms. He gently picked up the one on his chest and moved it to the left side. He felt Matsu shuffle in her sleep but there was no other response. He did the same thing with the hand gripping his left thigh. A little too high for Ichigo's comfort.
Ichigo sighed slowly in relief. 'Half done,' Ichigo thought as he slowly reached for the two arms on his right side and froze.
Ichigo started to redo his math and kept coming up with four. 'One arm on my chest, plus one hand on my left leg, plus two gripping my right arm. Four hands, two arms and hands a person. Two people.' Ichigo slowly turned his head to his left fearing what he might find. Instead of Matsu as Ichigo had initially thought, Miya herself was sleeping quite soundly in her regular outfit. Alcohol was heavy on her clothing as if she had bathed in booze. Her long purple hair somehow flowed down her back as usual despite her sleeping on her side.
Ichigo could barely contain the shout that wanted to burst forth from his lips. A slight trickle of blood ran down his nose. What kept him from shouting was what Miya would do when she woke up. It was going to be bad either way, but if he could just get out of the room without waking the two tenets up then he could approach Miya later and talk with her about it instead of doing it where anybody could hear. Thinking of the other tenet Ichigo turned his head the other way and confusion swept through him. A woman with long dark purple hair in contrast to Miya's lighter shade. The smell of alcohol rolled off her in waves Ichigo had only ever smelled coming from the time Rangiku had gotten extremely drunk at a Tōshirō's birthday party and had tried to kiss everybody there, including Ichigo.
From the little Ichigo could see that was uncovered by the blanket atop the three of them she wasn't wearing much clothes. As carefully as he could Ichigo began to move the unknown woman's hands away. It felt like tearing a vice off but Ichigo very carefully disentangled himself.
Ichigo slowly began to slink out from under the blanket without disturbing the two women. Whenever one would stir Ichigo would freeze up immediately and wait for them to get back into a deeper sleep. All told it took Ichigo fifteen minutes to escape from their clutches, yet with his first step he almost ruined his new found freedom.
With his first step Ichigo's foot landed on something extremely soft and slippery. Looking down Ichigo almost had a heart attack. Not an inch (2.54 cm) away from his foot, Matsu slept. Her arm was slung across the unknown woman as if searching for what lay beyond her. The bottom of her pink pajamas was the only article of clothing sticking out from under the blanket. Ichigo quickly stepped away.
'This day is going to kill me,' Ichigo thought quickly grabbing some clothes and getting dressed. He tossed his mind back to the previous night. Miya had proposed a party to celebrate Ichigo's good health. Rangiku had immediately jumped on board with the idea and had used it as an excuse to start a drinking party. When Ichigo had gone to bed Miya, Rangiku, Uzume, and Matsu were still drinking hard and fast. He had thought he heard a knock at the door but had dismissed it.
Evidently it was this unknown lady currently sleeping in his room. Ichigo sighed and turned to leave the room, but before he left something caught his eye. Kon was tied to a table with a gag in his mouth. Faint snoring noises drifted from his position. 'Matsu must have gagged him last night before she went to sleep.'
Ichigo sighed as he squatted down next to the stuffed lion and put his hands on the bindings. With a sharp tug the rope snapped like twigs. As quickly and quietly as he could manage Ichigo caught the stuffed animal and laid him underneath the table.
The slight bleeding over of Ichigo's Shinigami powers sometimes came in handy. Urahara had always implied that someday he would be able to even use Flash Step while in his human form. From what he had seen of Yoruichi, Ichigo didn't doubt it.
Ichigo silently slipped out of the room. The hallway was deserted. Ichigo sighed and shook his head. He wasn't exactly sure what he was going to tell Miya but whatever it was it would have to be good.
Ichigo made his way down stairs and into the kitchen.
Uryū, Chad, and Kagari were the only ones seated at the table. Uryū and Kagari were silently reading a section of the paper. Chad was sipping at a cup of coffee in his hands.
"Hey guys," Ichigo said calmly sitting down. "How are you guys?"
"As a host," Kagari said looking over his paper at Ichigo. "I know when to quit drinking before I am at the level I'll have a hangover in the morning."
"Not to bad," Chad said aloud taking a sip.
"Considering I didn't join in on the drinking," Uryū responded without looking up. "I feel terrible."
"Why?" Ichigo asked raising an eyebrow.
"Strange dreams," Uryū responded shaking his head violently.
"Me to," Ichigo sighed shaking his head.
"Ichigo," Kagari asked speaking up. "Could you go wake up Miya? I haven't seen her yet this morning. She is always here by now making breakfast for everyone else."
"Why me?" Ichigo asked trying to remain calm despite the hundreds of sweat drops forming on the back of his head.
"Because for whatever reason," Kagari said folding up his paper. He stood and started toward the entrance. "Miya acts differently around you and that might save you from being killed by her for waking her up."
"What do you mean she acts differently around me?" Ichigo asked stopping Kagari in the door with his words.
Kagari hesitated before responding. "I have never seen her act like she did yesterday. She lost her husband, friends, and even many family members. When she found your body she shut down. We had to drag her and Matsu off your body. Five minutes later they would be clutching at you again. They should have known better."
"What do you mean known better?" Ichigo asked.
Kagari sighed. "It isn't supposed to be common knowledge but many Sekirei and Ashikabi know anyway, so it should matter if I tell you. When an Ashikabi dies the Sekirei that are bonded to him or her die as well."
"So if I die," Ichigo said his heart suddenly in his stomach. "They die."
"Exactly." Kagari confirmed Ichigo's fears.
"How do you know this Kagari?" Chad asked speaking up. "You said Ashikabi and Sekirei are some of the only ones who know this, so how do you?"
Kagari suddenly tensed up at Uryū's words. "Miya told me."
"You see," Uryū said the light gleaming off his glasses. "That doesn't work. Miya strikes me as the type of person who plays things very close to the chest. She wouldn't just tell you about that detail if you weren't somehow involved. So which are you an Ashikabi or Sekirei?"
Kagari sighed in defeat. "I let slip a little too much didn't I? Before I tell you I ask that you do not speak of this to anyone outside this room."
"Not everybody knows and I would like to keep it that way." Kagari sighed.
Ichigo glanced at Chad and Uryū, who nodded in response.
"Fine as long as it doesn't put any of our friends in danger," Ichigo responded simply. 'If it becomes important later then we'll tell the others.'
"It won't," Kagari replied ruefully. "First do you guys know how Winging is done?"
"Yeah," Chad responded blushing slightly. "Sekirei kiss the Ashikabi they choose and become their Sekirei."
"What happens when the Sekirei doesn't choose the Ashikabi?" Kagari asked.
"They get Winged?" Ichigo asked a sudden bad feeling rolling in his stomach.
"Yes," Kagari responded. "It's called Forced Winging."
"I remember hearing the S&M twins saying something like that but they didn't go into any detail." Ichigo responded.
"Originally a Sekirei goes out and tries to meet with an Ashikabi she reacts to," Kagari responded.
"Reacts?" Chad asked.
"Reactions very between Sekirei slightly but most common ones are an inexplicable need to stay close to that person, heavy flushing, arousal, and urge for lip contact." Kagari explained. Ichigo blushed as he read off the examples. "The Ashikabi lose a small amount of thought process right before the winging but it gets less after each Winging. Reacting is a sign to both that the person they met is who they have the best compatibility with and has the best shot at winning the game with."
"What does this have to do with Forced Winging?" Uryū asked. "And you for that matter?"
"I'm getting there," Kagari said holding up his hands as if it could physically slow him down. "A Forced Winging is when neither party reacts. It is on many accounts as bad as rape. Once a Sekirei is bonded they are forced to protect the person who Winged them or die. Add on to the top of that it will mentally warp the Sekirei to feel friendly and non-hostile to them. I admit it doesn't always work like that but in many cases it does."
"Okay so Forced Winging is bad." Ichigo summed up. "What does this have to do with you?"
"I am Sekirei number 6, Homura." Kaga-Homura responded. "I am something of a unique case. I'll leave it at that. After leaving MBI I took to protecting the unWinged Sekirei so that they wouldn't be Forcibly Winged or killed."
"Why protect them?" Chad asked. "Don't get me wrong I'm glad that you are but why?"
"Because," Homura said quietly. "I hate the Sekirei Plan. Minaka forces people to participate whether they want to or not. One day soon I'll kill the bastard."
"You'll have to get in line," Ichigo said simply. "I get first crack at the bastard. If there is anything left you can do what you want."
Homura stood looking at Ichigo for a long moment. "You are a strange one. An Ashikabi believing he can go toe to toe with all the Sekirei protecting him. That is new. Haven't you heard about the Ashikabi of the Disciplinary Squad? He's supposed to be as bad as Karasuba"
Ichigo just kept his traditional scowl in place. "Don't think anything by it. When someone threatens me or my loved ones they tend to end up a little uncomfortable. Besides I'm pretty sure I can take a single Ashikabi."
Homura just kept looking at Ichigo before shrugging. "First one to him gets to kick his ass. The other gets whatever is left. Deal?"
"Deal." Ichigo said nodding. Homura left the room.
Ichigo sat across from Uryū and Chad in silence for a few moments.
"So are you going to go get Miya from your room?" Uryū asked picking up the paper again.
Ichigo sweat dropped. "How'd you know she was in my room?"
"Uzume came stumbling in drunk last night and woke me up." Uryū explained. "After putting her to bed I looked out in the hallway and saw Miya tipsily coming up the stairs. I asked her what was wrong and she said that she just wanted to make sure you hadn't died in your sleep. She entered your room and never came out."
Ichigo felt his blush rise with each word. "Don't you dare tell anyone else." Ichigo intoned.
"Miya would try to kill me if I did." Uryū said closing the paper. "Care to come with me as I try to think of a way to save your life?"
"Where are we going?" Ichigo asked standing.
"I need to walk around town for a while." Uryū responded joining him on his feet. "I need to think about some things as well."
"Let's go," Chad said standing as well.
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"Where are we going again?" Ichigo complained placing his arms behind his head.
"Around," Uryū said simply. "Don't tell me you're tired already."
"As if," Ichigo responded.
"By the way," Uryū said glancing at Ichigo. "How long did it take you guys to get in a fight?"
"About ten minutes," Chad said happily. "I take the pot."
"Damn," Uryū cursed mildly. "How much do I owe you?"
"2030 yen," Chad responded. (About $20 US)
"I better get half of that," Ichigo muttered to Chad as Uryū started to count money into his hand.
"Sure," Chad responded as Uryū gave him the money. Chad quickly counted half of it and handed it to Ichigo. "After all the only reason I got it was because of you. I'll give you fifty percent. We'll each get 5075 yen." ($50 US)
"I thought only four people bet." Ichigo said confused. "I doubt that you'd let someone bet more than the others."
"Urahara started the betting before you got to the shop," Chad answered. "He bet on five minutes."
"Remind me to kick his ass when he gets here." Ichigo responded taking the money Chad offered.
They continued walking in silence. The sounds of the city surrounded the three. Traffic buzzed around them as they walked like giant bees. Chattering individuals made their way around the group. Some walked alone, others walked in groups. It reminded Ichigo of schooling fish. Two familiar voices appeared out of the crowd.
"Don't be silly Rukia," Orihime's voice came fluttering from nearby. "You've cooked for me so much already that I feel obligated to make you my largest and best food that I can. I need to pick up some more bean paste."
Ichigo quickly looked for the voices in the crowd. Burnt orange hair flashed in the crowd.
"Hey guys I'll be right back." Ichigo said over his shoulder not looking to see if they stopped. Pushing through the crowd got him only occasional grunts of annoyance. Two figures gradually appeared walking through the crowd. Rukia and Orihime were walking together down the street with a few shopping bags hanging from their hands.
"You don't have to do that," Rukia frantically responded. Sweat drops were rolling down the back of her head in rivers. "I don't mind, besides we haven't made contact with anybody since we got settled. We need to find them and talk with them."
Ichigo was just about to say something when Rukia said, "Ichigo if you are just going to follow us like a pervert I'll start hitting you like I do with Kon. Your Spiritual Pressure makes you stand out like a lighthouse." Rukia and Orihime stopped and turned to Ichigo.
"I was just about to say something," Ichigo said both insulted and embarrassed at being grouped in with Kon. "I'm not like Kon."
Rukia and Orihime laughed. The sound of their laugh seemed to echo across the crowded street. "Ichigo you are more like Kon than I think you realize." Rukia laughed. Orihime just nodded her agreement.
"I'm not like him," Ichigo responded a tick mark forming.
"What are you doing here anyway Ichigo?" Orihime asked smiling.
"Uryū, Chad, and I are walking around." Ichigo explained letting her change the subject. "Don't ask me where."
"Why are you just walking aimlessly?" Orihime asked.
"Uryū and I had weird dreams," Ichigo responded shuddering. "We needed to clear our heads so we decided to walk around. Chad wanted to join us."
"What about the Sekirei?" Rukia asked. She said one thing but her voice seemed to ask a question that Ichigo couldn't understand.
"They have names." Ichigo responded simply. "They aren't things. They are people."
"Sorry," Rukia apologized a slight blush appearing on her face.
"You said 'they'." Orihime said so quietly that Ichigo almost thought he had imagined it. "You mean more than one. Who else has one?"
"All three of us do," Ichigo responded confused about why Orihime was so upset. "Tōshirō even has one."
Rukia's face went stiff. If Ichigo didn't know her as well as he did he wouldn't have noticed. Living with her for a few months had gotten him very used to her face.
A brief glimmer of hurt flashed across Orihime's face but it was quickly hidden behind a smile just as quickly. They were both hurt and Ichigo didn't know why. It dug at him that two of his best friends were hurt by what he said.
"Are you two alright?" Ichigo asked concerned.
"Yes," Rukia responded flatly. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I'm fine," Orihime said through her false smile. "I'm just surprised that Uryū got a Sekirei so quickly."
Ichigo started to put the pieces together. "Do you guys have a crush on Chad and Uryū?"
The pair of them blushed. Ichigo took that as a sign of conformation.
"No," Rukia sputtered out. "It's not them that I like." Her eyes widened at her words and her cheeks flushed blood red. "I mean… but I…" She started mumbling under her breath.
"Ichigo," Orihime said blushing bright red. "I'm not interested in them like that."
"Then why are you guys acting so weird?" Ichigo asked. At his words Orihime's entire body turned red. Rukia however took things a bit farther. With a CRACK that echoed off the buildings Ichigo felt the imprint of where her hand had been a moment before.
"Orihime," Rukia said her voice filled with frustration. Out of the corner of his eye Ichigo saw Chad and Uryū walk up to the group. The crowd that had surrounded him had suddenly decided to be somewhere far away.
Is that pain in her voice? Ichigo thought concerned. I must be imagining it.
"If you don't tell him this minute then I will." Rukia continued hotly. At her words Orihime started to tremble.
"Tell me what?" Ichigo asked turning to Orihime.
"Ichigo," Orihime paused and took a deep breath. "What I'm trying to say is Ichigo I kind of-"
She was interrupted when two girls wearing matching purple and blue S&M outfits dropped into the center of the group.
"Damn," Hikari said turning to her twin. "Did we manage to get away from that psycho bitch?"
"I think so." Hibiki responded taking large, deep, gasping breaths.
"Guys," Ichigo said shaking his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Does Seo know what you were just doing?"
"Ichigo," The Hikari said standing quickly when they realized they weren't alone. Hibiki stood with her. "I recognize Chad but who are the other three?"
"These are my friends," Ichigo said shrugging. "Uryū Ishida, Orihime Inoue, and Rukia Kuchiki. I've known them each for years."
"You there, hold." A voice shouted from the sky. Ichigo looked up toward the voice. A flash of black and white was all Ichigo saw before he was born to the ground by a weight slamming into his chest.
"Ouch." Ichigo muttered rubbing the back of his head as his eyes tried to focus again. Slowly an image of a blonde woman with a black and white dress that barely concealed her ample bosom sat on his chest. Ichigo felt his face turn bright red as the image of pure white panties came into focus.
With a mighty heave Ichigo grabbed her and tossed her off his chest. Ichigo leapt to his feet. A sharp pain suddenly blossomed across the back of his head. Ichigo whirled to see Rukia with a large tick mark on her face.
"Pervert," Rukia muttered under Ichigo's incredulous look.
"I didn't do anything." Ichigo protested angry.
"You tossed her onto Uryū." Rukia said simply. Ichigo turned to see Uryū in the same position he himself was in a few moments before hand. "Besides you looked at her underwear."
Ichigo was about to respond but was interrupted by the sound of Uryū and the woman shouting.
"YOU!" Uryū and the woman shouted at each other. They both scrambled away from each other. They stood glaring at each other nearby. The woman put her hands in front of herself like she was going to catch a ball. Uryū stood his hands in position to summon his bow at a moment's notice.
"What are you doing here?" Uryū asked his eyes boring into the woman.
"Thou hast thee worst luck." The woman said a ball of water forming between her hands startling Ichigo slightly. Then again I've seen a lot and I suppose it's not that different than some of the Zanpakutō I've seen. "Prepare to be destroyed."
"Can I at least know your name?" Uryū asked warily.
"Why doest thou ask my name repeatedly?" The woman asked narrowing her eyes. "Don't though Ashikabi just think of thine Sekirei as pets or objects? I will be no pet or possession."
"If I can interject," Ichigo said speaking up. The woman turned her eyes onto him. They were cold and promised no mercy if he got in her way. "None of us think of Sekirei like that. In fact at least speaking for myself and Chad we never asked to be Ashikabi. It just happened."
"I was the first of us to become an Ashikabi." Chad said speaking up. "We had arrived ten minutes before hand and had barely heard the words Sekirei and Ashikabi. After ten minutes these two," At this Chad gestured to Hikari and Hibiki who both blushed in embarrassment. "Attack us and an unWinged Sekirei. During the attack Musubi kissed me and I became an Ashikabi."
"Thou hast to be looking for more Sekirei to become more powerful." The woman responded quickly.
"I'm powerful enough." Chad said shaking his head.
"Well that speaks for one." The woman said simply.
"You could say that I was Winged by my Sekirei." Ichigo said reluctant to speak up. "She was looking at my nose to make sure it is alright then SHE kissed me. I could barely move. As for getting more Sekirei I don't really plan on it."
"So she kissed you?" Rukia and Orihime surprisingly asked simultaneously.
"Yeah," Ichigo responded. "Don't get me wrong she's a nice girl and I like her but she is a lot like Kon."
"If that's the case maybe we should come and make sure nothing happens." Rukia said simply.
"We don't want anything bad to happen to you." Orihime added looking at Rukia strangely.
"As for me," Uryū responded speaking up. "I still don't know why you hate me or any Ashikabi. My story is very similar to Ichigo's. Uzume kissed me. Not the other way around. When I saw you in my dream I asked you to think about why you hate me. What is your answer?"
"It is because thou are my Ashikabi," The woman responded. "Everyone believes that thy need to have an Ashikabi to become strong. I will prove them wrong."
"Then why do you need to destroy me?" Uryū responded relaxing his stance. "I have no intention of Winging you against your will. That seems like the move of a coward. We could leave now and let each other do their own thing. No trouble."
"Thou are taking me lightly." The woman responded. "Prepare thy self."
Uryū sighed and pushed up his glasses to more securely hold them in place. "Just do me a favor, Ichigo." Uryū said looking over his shoulder. "Don't get involved."
"Sure," Ichigo responded sitting down. With a brief pause the rest of the group joined him, except for Hikari and Hibiki. Rukia still looked a bit dubious. "You two can sit down too."
"Aren't you worried about your friend?" Hibiki asked looking over at the pair as the woman started to launch water at Uryū who simply dodged. He didn't summon his bow he just used short bursts of Hirenkyaku when he couldn't avoid it just by his normal movement.
"Uryū is stronger than he looks," Ichigo said giving the Quincy rare vocal praise. "Besides something in her voice sounds like she isn't going to go all out. She's just going to test him."
"Still she's a single number." Hikari retorted. "A single number is strong enough to take out both of us at once."
"Uryū has taken out people just as strong before." Ichigo responded.
"Ichigo," Rukia said hesitantly. "She is as strong as a Captain. If she goes all out Uryū might have some trouble."
"She won't go all out." Ichigo responded. "Besides if it gets too bad we'll intervene."
"Are you all insane?" Hibiki asked her eyes going wide. "You guys may be Ashikabi but you are still human." Ichigo heard Rukia bite back a laugh.
"Just watch." Ichigo said chuckling.
The twin women turned to watch the Uryū just as he side stepped a water blast. Neither was breathing hard. They might as well have been out for a pleasant stroll.
"You aren't bad." Uryū complimented jumping over a blast of water.
"If this is all thou hast then thou shall die soon." The woman said frowning. "WATER ARROWS!"
Thousands of arrows made of water shot at Uryū. Uryū used Hirenkyaku to dodge them. His form became no more than a blur to the average human. Ichigo had little trouble following him. His Bankai allowed him to go at much faster speeds, so his eyes had had to adjust to speeds that would boggle the mind.
Where ever a jet of water touched the asphalt or building the material flew away in a combination of dust, debris, and water. If a single blast were to hit a normal human it would rip the flesh from their bones. For any one of the group it would knock them done pretty hard. It may even crack a bone or two.
Uryū danced through all the arrows as quickly as he could. It looked like an elaborate dance. Each arrow paced within inches of his body. The last arrow took a long strip of cloth from the midriff of Uryū's shirt.
"Do you have any idea how long it'll take to repair that?" Uryū complained appearing behind the woman.
The blond turned sharply a long whip of water forming in her hand. Uryū grabbed her wrist before her hand could travel more than a few inches. The water whip flopped around like a wet noodle then collapsed drenching the pair. They stood mere inches away from each other in the middle of a crater peppered street.
"How'd thou get behind me?" The woman asked. "Tis impossible for a human to move so fast."
"I'm fast," Uryū responded both lying and telling the truth.
"Thou lies," The woman responded. "Thou cannot be that fast."
"You saw me move." Uryū responded readjusting his glasses which had slipped down his nose.
"Let me go." The woman said venom in her words.
"You realize how easy it would be to Wing you right now?" Uryū asked uncharacteristically dark. The woman's face went white. "Less than three inches is all it would take."
"Thou wouldn't," Ichigo barely heard the woman whisper. Ichigo was starting to get worried about his friend. This wasn't like him.
"Your right." Uryū said releasing her. He took a step back and raised his arms to show he had no ill intent. The woman blinked in surprise. "I want you to realize that I am not like other Ashikabi. If you don't want to be with me then I won't force you. Other Ashikabi may not give you that choice however."
Uryū turned to walk away. Ichigo noticed a subtle shift in the woman's face.
"She's reacting," Ichigo whispered to those around him as they climbed to their feet.
"How do you know?" Chad asked while Uryū stood trying to find a way through the hole filled street.
"Her face," Ichigo said nodding to the blond whose name he still didn't know. They all looked to the woman and saw what Ichigo had. Her white face had red cheeks. Her face looked uncertain like she didn't know what to do.
Uryū took a step toward Ichigo and the group. The woman grabbed his shoulder preventing him from going forward any more.
"What is it?" Uryū asked not turning around.
"What is thy name?" The woman asked so quietly Ichigo had to strain to hear it.
"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." Uryū responded.
"My name is Tsukiumi," Tsukiumi said quietly.
"Uryū Ishida," Uryū gave neutrally.
"Uryū," Tsuki said barely audible. Ichigo leaned forward to try and hear better. He noticed that others of the group were following his example or he was following theirs since they were already leaning forward.
"What is it Tsuki?" Uryū asked simply.
Instead of responding Tsuki pulled on his shoulder. Ichigo watched as Uryū was turned around by the woman. Quicker than Ichigo could blink she had pressed her lips to his. Bright blue light sprayed from her back. Wings like water shot from her back. Her blond hair floated in an intangible wind.
Uryū looked too stunned to move. Tsuki slowly pulled away from the kiss as the light faded from her back.
"Thou are my Ashikabi now," Ichigo heard her say. "Please take care of me."
"I promise you that I will." Uryū said softly dipping his head respectfully to her.
"This is touching and all," A familiar voice said loudly from behind Ichigo. Ichigo groaned as Yoruichi continued. "But we have to strategize now."
Ichigo turned to see Yoruichi in her human appearance. Her typical orange outfit made the purple haired woman stand out even more than her hair.
"Yoruichi what are you doing here?" Chad asked monotonously.
"After I left Orihime I decided to do some scouting." Yoruichi responded simply. "We need to discuss this alone. Tsuki was it?"
"Who are thou big breasted beast?" Tsukiumi asked hotly.
"I'm the woman who has more experience with men and a few women then you will ever have." Yoruichi responded a coy smile on her face. "Now I know that you just got Winged but I need to talk with your Ashikabi without you for a moment."
Tsuki was about to voice her displeasure when Uryū spoke up, "It'll be alright."
"I don't like leaving my husband alone with this woman." Tsuki said possessively.
"I'm not your husband," Uryū said sweat dropping.
"Did thou not say that thee would take care of me?" Tsuki asked.
"I did but I barely even know you!" Uryū protested.
"Then thou should have thought of that before thou made me thy Sekirei." Tsuki responded.
"Trust me she's not interested in me." Uryū responded.
"Fine," Tsuki said walking away. "I shall be but a short distance away."
Tsuki stopped a short distance away and glared at the group. Yoruichi glared at Hibiki and Hikari until they joined Tsuki, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Ichigo heard Yoruichi indistinctly whisper something. A shimmering in the air appeared around the group.
"We can talk without being interrupted." Yoruichi responded. She gave the group an amused look. "I'll summarize what I overheard so you don't have to ask what I know. The three men of our group are now Ashikabi. By the way it sounds Ichigo and Chad only have one Sekirei with them. Uryū just winged a second. From what that lady, Tsuki, said it sounds as if the majority of people running around with Captain level Spirit Pressure are single digit Sekirei. There might be a few lower numbers running around with stronger Spirit Pressure. In particular I've heard a disturbing rumor."
"What about Yoruichi?" Rukia asked concern lacing her voice with good reason. Anything that could disturb the former Captain of the Division in charge of assassination and the police force wasn't something to take lightly.
"According to rumor a Sekirei is running around with an Ashikabi and people are calling the Sekirei the Shinigami Sekirei." Yoruichi said delivering the news that made Ichigo's jaw drop calmly.
"Have you heard anything else?" Ichigo asked trying unsuccessfully to crush his surprise. Uryū had a faraway look as if he was trying to figure out where a piece of a puzzle fit. Rukia looked concerned biting her lower lip nervously. Orihime looked thoughtful like she was wondering what the person was like and if they might like her cooking. Chad being the normal stoic he was only widened his eyes.
"All I've been able to uncover is that somehow he is able to kill plants and is looking for a particular Sekirei named Kuu." Yoruichi responded. Ichigo looked at Uryū and Chad worried. "What's wrong?"
"That's Tōshirō's Sekirei's name." Chad responded. "It may be trouble if Tōshirō comes in contact with this Sekirei."
"Okay," Yoruichi responded thoughtfully. "Have you guys heard of the Ashikabi of the West, East, and South?"
"Yes," Ichigo responded. "I met with the Ashikabi of the West. He seems to be a good guy, but I'm not completely sure."
"My thoughts exactly," Yoruichi said simply. "The West seems to treat the Sekirei he is with well. The South seems to see Sekirei as pieces in a game to collect and play with. The East uses people to achieve his own ends. In all I would say that of the three of them the West seems the most reasonable but I would still be wary of them."
"Can we tell our Sekirei what's going on?" Uryū asked nodding to Tsuki who was visibly straining to hear the conversation.
"Not unless you absolutely have to." Yoruichi remorsefully responded. "We don't know how Aizen factors into this yet. Besides something or other is out there pulling strings. Someone knew that a black cat would be trouble and sent orders to have me shot at should they see me. We need to be as cautious as possible."
"I just hate lying to them." Uryū explained scowling.
"We all do," Ichigo said sadly thinking of Matsu. She really wasn't so bad once you got past the perversion.
"Alright," Yoruichi said seriously. "The next step is for us to group together. The areas you are all staying are slowly being absorbed by the East, South, and West. The East and South have all heard rumors of you three. I've managed to get close enough to hear a few conversations. The South has heard rumors of three Ashikabi stirring around the North. As far as I can figure out he isn't two worried yet but he's keeping an eye on the North. The West is talking about a strange Sekirei that talked to him. He too is watching the North. The East is the real problem. He has heard of three Ashikabi in the North who have yet to fight. He sees you three as weak and is looking for a way to contact you. He is going to try and manipulate you three into working for him."
"Why three?" Ichigo asked confused. "Matsu and I never have gone out in public. For that matter nobody knows she's there."
"I think she means Tōshirō." Chad pointed out. "He made quite the impression the way it sounds."
"Speaking of the other Captains have you heard much Yoruichi?" Orihime asked speaking up.
"Kenpachi is in charge of the Disciplinary Squad," Yoruichi informed them. "Byakuya and Renji are lying low in the East as far as I can tell. Shunsui has been seen drinking in almost every bar in town. Kurotsuchi has been seen in MBI headquarters. Ukitake has been seen frequenting a hospital run by the East. I've talked to him and he said he was interested in the technology being used there. Tōshirō is with you guys by the sound of it."
"He is," Chad confirmed.
"Can your place support the rest of us?" Yoruichi asked raising an eyebrow. "If we remain split then their odds of capturing or killing us increase."
"Tōshirō, Rangiku, and Kuu are sharing a room above us." Ichigo mused aloud. "From what I've seen the floor above mine can hold three more groups. My dad is coming soon and my sisters aren't going to share a room with the pervert so they'll share a room with Tatsuki. If you guys are willing to share then there should be a room available."
"Well I like to sleep in the nude," Yoruichi said unembarrassed.
Ichigo felt his cheeks flush a bright red. "Nobody needs to know that!"
"To late to change it now," Yoruichi said smiling like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"Rukia did you happen to bring a Kikanshinki?" Ichigo asked hopefully.
"No," Rukia answered. "The one I used last time was broken when Urahara tossed my luggage down into the training room."
"I told him things could get broken." Ichigo said feeling vindicated.
"Yeah," Rukia said. "But that still leaves us with the problem of where to sleep since I don't think sleeping with a nude Yoruichi is a good idea."
"Miya would probably kill her if she tried that in anybody's room." Uryū added. "I had to erect a room separator just to sleep. Uzume is almost as bad as Ichigo's Sekirei."
"Well Ichigo tell us about this Sekirei of yours." Rukia said. Her voice was tinged with an emotion Ichigo had never heard from her before. Was that jealousy? No. It couldn't be.
"Well…ahh…hm…" Ichigo tried stalling. "She's… hard to describe."
"She's a female version of Kon mixed with Captain Kikanshinki." Uryū supplied.
"A female version of Kon?" Orihime asked as Rukia's face whitened and Ichigo felt his face redden.
"A huge pervert," Chad added. "She wants to do 'experiments' on him."
Orihime's face whitened at his explanation. Ichigo felt as if his face would burst into flame from the heat coming off his cheeks.
"And Ichigo is letting his father come to Izumo Inn with the women around that like him so much?" Yoruichi asked her eyebrow raising.
"I didn't have much of a choice," Ichigo said angrily. "I didn't have much of a choice. He invited himself over and Miya said yes."
There was silence for a moment as the others absorbed the information.
"You're going to die." Yoruichi said a smile growing on her lips.
"We have to go grab our stuff from our place." Orihime said grabbing Rukia's arm. "Yoruichi could you come with us and show us the way back to Izumo Inn?"
"Sure," Yoruichi said. The shimmering of the air stopped. "See you guys at the Inn."
Yoruichi turned around and left with Rukia and Orihime. Tsuki returned to the group just as quickly as the others left.
"My husband are thou alright?" Tsuki asked clutching at Uryū.
"I'm not your husband," Uryū responded a sweat drop rolling down his skull.
"Don't be rude," Ichigo said seeing a chance for some good natured teasing. "After all it was quite clear to me that you accepted her marriage proposal."
"If that's true," Uryū said turning on Ichigo an evil gleam in his eyes. "Then that would make you married to Matsu."
Ichigo felt his blood go cold. Spinning to Tsuki quickly Ichigo quickly said, "Sorry I forgot but Uryū already has a Sekirei so you both can't be his wife."
"I am thine husband's legal wife." Tsuki said territorially. "Thine should help thy wife pick out some food so that I may make thee a home cooked on our first night as man and wife."
"Miya is going to kill her and you," Ichigo said softly.
Uryū simply moaned as the group started off to do a little shopping.
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"We're back," Ichigo called to the house hold. Killing intent flooded the house at his voice.
"Ichigo," Miya's voice called softly filled with pain. A Hannya mask floated weakly through the wall. A thermometer in it's mouth and a towel on it's forehead. Miya followed it through the nearby door. A wet towel covered her head as well. "I'll ask you to keep it down for now. Everyone still has a hangover from last night. Kuu and Tōshirō went out for the day."
"We got the groceries," Ichigo said softer and held up a bag of food. Ichigo heard Uryū, Chad, and Tsuki stumble through the door behind him. "I'll leave them to tell why we have another with us. Three friends of ours were looking for a place to stay and we recommended that they stay here."
"That is fine," Miya said simply. Her voice was flat. "The more the merrier. Are they women?"
Ichigo frowned as the others made their way past Ichigo and walked to the kitchen. "Yes, but I don't see what that has to do with anything."
"It doesn't matter," Miya said turning away. Ichigo quickly grabbed her shoulder with his free hand.
"Miya," Ichigo said concerned. "I know you better than that. Something is causing you pain. I can't protect you if I don't know what is causing you pain."
Miya just stood still. She didn't say anything the Hannya mask faded away to nothingness. One minute turned to two and two turned to five. Half an hour had passed when Miya finally shrugged Ichigo off.
"I'm sorry Ichigo," Miya said her normally cheerful voice was instead clouded by a curtain of isolation. "I seem not able to think clearly. My head is still muddled from the alcohol last night."
"Miya-" Ichigo tried to say more but Miya interrupted him.
"I should get your friends rooms ready." Miya said all but running away from him.
"What did I do?" Ichigo murmured to himself.
"It's really kind of sweet," A voice said from behind Ichigo.
Ichigo whirled around to see the mysterious woman from earlier in that morning. She had on a purple Chinese style dress that showed a large amount of cleavage.
"Who are you?" Ichigo asked the woman.
"I'm Kazehana," She responded smiling widely. "Sekirei number 3."
"Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo said nodding to Kazehana.
"Miya talked about you a lot last night." Kazehana said explaining. "She was quite complimentary. I can see why."
Her words caused Ichigo to frown. I almost made her cry and I don't even know how. In what world is that something to be complimented for?
"I don't understand," Ichigo said honestly.
"The good ones never do." Kazehana said smiling softly. Ichigo's frown only deepened as Kazehana left him alone.
What the hell is going on? Ichigo thought to himself.
"Ichigo," Zangetsu said speaking up for the first time that day. "We need to talk."
Omake Ichigo's dream:
Ichigo was lying on his bed in his room in Karakura town. A math book opened in front of him. A clock slowly ticked away in a nearby corner.
Wait, Ichigo thought sitting upright suddenly. This isn't right. I'm at Izumo Inn.
As soon as the thought left his mind Ichigo blinked and found himself sitting at Izumo Inn's dining table. Miya sat at the head of the table. Other places were set at the table as if waiting for the people.
"Ichigo," Miya said smiling. Unlike her usual smile there was something else in it. Ichigo had never seen that look on her face before but if forced to put a name to it Ichigo would have said it was lust.
"Miya," Ichigo said shaking his head. Why am I here? Shouldn't I be in my room?
Just as quickly as he was in the dining room he found himself in his room. Orihime and Rukia sat with their heads together talking completely oblivious to Ichigo's presence.
"I think he looks better in his school uniform," Orihime was arguing. "He just looks so much more relaxed."
"I disagree," Rukia responded. "I think he looks better as a bunny."
She held up an indistinct image of a vaguely human shaped rabbit with red hair.
I don't need to see me as a bunny. Ichigo thought turning around, but as he turned the room swam and he found himself in Matsu's room. The computer monitors glowed a dull blue. Matsu sat reading what looked to be an erotica book.
She snapped the book closed as Ichigo appeared. A creepy smile crossed her face.
"Ichigo," Matsu said a hand reached behind her. She pulled it out. Gripped in her fingers was a pair of pliers, a bag of marbles, and a pair of deer antlers. "Let's do some experimenting."
Her eyes gleamed as she started toward Ichigo.
Ichigo awoke with a start.
Author's Note:
Well this took a lot longer than expected. Once again I'm sorry for how late this came out. Life happened. That is the only explanation that I can come up with. I am still writing this story so don't worry. The show shall go on.
Once again CONGRADULATIONS to thisisCMpunk for finding the Easter Egg from Bioshock.
I purposefully made the first part ambiguous to keep you all in suspense. I was debating on whether or not to add Ichigo's dream as it isn't that important, but it was kind of funny so I split the difference and added it as an omake. I am putting off Ichigo and his friends fighting because I always wonder why writers with crossovers always reveal the powers of the Characters so quickly. The first reveal of powers is always the most dramatic and I'm striving to make that moment as epic as possible with Ichigo and his friends. With omake this chapter is over 8000 words. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can type it out.
As usual John Hinde signing out. Have a good Day/Afternoon/Night.